ESPN Locks In Three Days of NFL Draft Drama Live from Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft will unfold across three days of live coverage on ESPN, with all eyes on Pittsburgh as the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to make the coveted number one selection.
The annual draft shapes the future of all 32 NFL franchises, as the next wave of college talent makes the jump to the professional ranks. Coverage begins on Friday April 24, continuing through to Sunday April 26, with extensive programming scheduled across ESPN2 and streaming platforms.
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Veteran broadcaster Mike Greenberg returns to host his sixth draft, joined by long-time analyst Mel Kiper, who marks his 43rd NFL Draft, alongside former players Booger McFarland and Louis Riddick. Breaking news will be handled by Adam Schefter, while Laura Rutledge will conduct interviews with players as they are selected.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the first overall pick and are expected to choose Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is noted for his precision and for recording no red zone interceptions across the past two seasons. His arrival would come as the Raiders continue a rebuilding phase following the departure of Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll.
Attention will then shift to the New York Jets, who hold the second pick in what is shaping as one of the more debated selections. Prospects linked to the spot include Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Bailey led the FBS in pressure rate and was tied for sacks last season, while Reese is regarded as a versatile player within the draft pool.
Clubs rounding out the top ten selections include the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. Other names expected to feature early include Jeremiyah Love, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, Rueben Bain Jr, Jordyn Tyson and Francis Mauigoa.
ESPN’s coverage will extend beyond the draft itself, with on-site studio programming and expanded editions of NFL Live, College GameDay, The Pat McAfee Show and SportsCenter. Australian viewers will also have access to a live ‘NFL Afters’ watch party hosted by Laurie Horesh and Jimmy Smith via ESPN Australia’s YouTube and social channels.
Since 1980, ESPN has broadcast the NFL Draft, establishing itself as a central destination for the league’s off-season event. The network’s coverage will be available via Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky NZ.
The 2026 NFL Draft airs live from Friday April 24 at 10am AEST through to Sunday April 26 at 4.15am AEST on ESPN2, available via Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky NZ.
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